WILSON & KIBIRIGE START FOR ENGLAND
Fresh from his exploits with England Saxons, Wilson, 19, who is one of two survivors from the squad that won the Junior World Championship last season, comes in at tighthead. Meanwhile, former Yarm School pupil Kibirige starts on the wing as England go for their second win of this season’s Six Nations.
Head coach Nick Walshe said: “It’s great to have this depth within our squad and we’re pleased to welcome back players with the experience that both Harry and Scott possess. Obviously it’s fantastic for Scott that he’s had recognition from the Saxons already this season, but his job, and our job, is to go out and perform well against Ireland on Saturday.
“The guys have trained well this week and heading back to Franklin’s Gardens is always special. It’s a proper rugby venue, we had a good win against Italy there last season and we’ll be looking to go out there and play as well as we can in front of a good home crowd.”
England Under 20 side to face Ireland
15 Nathan Earle (Saracens)
14 Zach Kibirige (Newcastle Falcons)
13 Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
12 Harry Sloan (Harlequins)
11 Howard Packman (Northampton Saints)
10 Billy Burns (Gloucester Rugby)
9 Callum Braley (Bristol Rugby, captain)
1 Alex Lundberg (London Wasps)
2 Harry Thacker (Leicester Tigers)
3 Scott Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)
4 Maro Itoje (Saracens)
5 Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
6 Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby)
7 Joel Conlon (Exeter Chiefs)
8 James Chisholm (Harlequins)
Replacements
16 Jack Walker (Leeds Carnegie)
17 Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Northampton Saints)
18 Paul Hill (Leeds Carnegie)
19 Tom Ellis (Bath Rugby)
20 Gus Jones (London Wasps)
21 Henry Taylor (Loughborough University)
22 Sam Olver (Northampton Saints)
23 Henry Purdy (Leicester Tigers)
